Review: “The Winter of the Witch” by Katherine Arden

Description

“Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, stronger than ever and determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself and her history as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.” (via Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Everything Vasya holds dear is under threat, and choices she made as a child come back to haunt her as a young woman. No longer is she the scared, reckless little girl playing in her father’s woods, and she will make sure those who refuse to acknowledge her newfound maturity will suffer for their denial. Only Vasya can set the course of the future, yet she may not be strong enough to see it through…

Dusk at the end of winter, and two men crossed the dooryard of a palace scarred by fire. The dooryard was a snowless waste of water and trampled earth; the men sank to their ankles in the muck. But they were speaking intently, heads close together, and did not heed the wet. Behind them lay a palace full of broken furniture, smoke-stained; the screen-work smashed on the staircases. before them lay a charred ruin that had been a stable.

Thanks to Del Rey for sending me a review copy.

Do the world a favor and buy this book from your local indie bookstore or get it from your public library.